69% of prospective clients are influenced by your website when deciding whether or not to make contact with you. Almost 80% of decision makers visit your site before making a purchase. You need an effective website to swing those decisions in your favour. Study conducted by analysts at RainToday.com

Even prospective clients referred to you are likely to gather intelligence from your website before contacting you. Without an effective web presence that unequivocally shows your unique capabilities, clients will pass you by - referral or not.

Consultancy

At OnlineOlogy we fully understand the key components required for designing an effective consultancy website and online presence.

A consultant's website can no longer be an afterthought. It must play an integral role in marketing your practice to new and existing clients. Too many consultants overlook the potential of a compelling website to help them stand out in a crowded market. The design and usability of your website should always reflect your business goals and for many consultancy firms this goal is simple – convert the visitor to a client.

In practice the visitor/client conversion can be a complex process to achieve. After all an effective consultant is first and foremost a good listener so many soft skills need to be included within your website design and content. This requires a very thoughtful and intelligent approach to website usability, design and navigation. Naturally, all great websites share design characteristics, however, a consultant's site has some important differences and an attractive, user-friendly website is a critical part of your online identity.

Unlike a retailer's website a consultant's site sells talents, skills, solutions, and experience – not products. With a world of information at their fingertips, potential clients will not be satisfied if your site contains only marketing hype, industry buzzwords and phrases.

An effective consultancy website must be designed in such a way as to...

Effectively engage with both new and existing clients

Highlight knowledge that can add value

Demonstrate unique knowledge and expertise

Provide evidence of services showing tangible business results

Show expert communication and problem solving skills

Provide compelling and changing content within your specialist area

Highlight industry experience and technical knowledge

At OnlineOlogy we build websites for consultants who want to market their services, as well as add functions to manage their current clients.

As you build, maintain and enhance your website, keep these guiding principles in mind...